Experts show concerns over rising disabilities among children.

PESHAWAR -- The physiotherapists have expressed concerns over rising disabilities among children mainly due to cerebral palsy, which, they say, is manageable provided the services of experts and equipment required for physical exercises are made available at the hospitals.

'Cerebral palsy is totally manageable with panel of experts, including neurologist, physiotherapist, psychologist and occupational therapist backed by regime of physical exercises to enable the victim to become normal,' Dr Mahboobur Rehman, former head of physiotherapy department at Hayatabad Medical Complex, told a seminar here on Tuesday.

The one-day event was held at Habib Physiotherapy Complex Hayatabad.

According to Dr Mahbood, the disease, which leads to disability if it is left uncured, also happens in head injuries, trauma and in pregnancies and delivery.

He said that such special children could be turned into healthy persons if parents took pain and ensured that their children received proper treatment.

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'A neurologist diagnoses a patient, psychologist can work on behaviour, physiotherapist gives course of exercises for restoration of normal movement while occupational therapist helps the victim to carry out functions and if necessary gives artificial appliances,' he said.

Dr Mahboob said that services of orthotists were also needed to ensure supply of braces and splints required by people facing problems of disorders of the nerves, muscles, or bones etc.

To address the hearing and speaking issues, children needed support of speech therapists and those with visual impairment required special teachers, he said.

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